You may not think about yoga when you are trying to lose weight. Although doing asanas to slow instrumental music may not burn as much calories as doing aerobic exercises, it will enable your body to burn more calories by increasing your metabolism. Yoga has several health benefits and it can be used to improve your metabolism, which is the process that converts the food you eat into energy. Doing certain yoga asanas will improve intake of oxygen and speed up the metabolism to help your body burn more fat and facilitate weight lose. Here are some yoga asanas to increase your metabolism and burn more calories.

1. Anjaneyasana (Crescent pose)

How to do it: Begin with the downward dog pose. Now, step your left foot forward between your hands. Come to the lunge position by lowering your hips. Now, lift up your upper body and bring your hands above your head in prayer position. Hold this position for about 10 breathes and then do this with the other leg.

2. Halasana (Plow pose)

Halasana or the plow pose improves blood circulation in pituitary, adrenal and thyroid glands. It helps in balancing the hormones and your metabolism.

How to do it: Start by lying down on the floor on your back with your legs straight and your hands at your side. Now, lift your legs up until it forms a 90 degree angle with the floor and make sure your knees are not bent. Press your palms down on the floor and bring your legs over your head. Try to touch your toes on the floor behind you. Hold this position for couple of minutes and return to the original position.

3. Utkatasana (Twisted chair pose)

Utkatasana is an excellent pose to improve blood circulation and detoxify your body. This asana will twist your internal organs and improve digestion.

How to do it: Stand straight with your feet together and hands at your side. Come to squat position by bending your knees and pushing your hip back like you do when you are sitting in a chair. Bring your hands to the prayer position in front of your chest. Now, twist your upper body to your right and bring your left elbow to your right knee. Hold this position for about 40 seconds and then come back to the original position. Now repeat this on the other side.

4. Salamba Sarvangasana (Shoulder stand pose)

Similar to the plow pose, Salamba Sarvangasana or the shoulder stand stretches your upper back and neck. It improves blood circulation and boosts metabolism.How to do it: Start by lying down on the floor on your back with your legs straight and your hands at your sides. Now, lift up your legs until it is perpendicular to the floor. Your toes should point towards the ceiling. Now, hold your waist with your hands to support your back. Your legs should be straight and the weight of the body should be on your shoulder. Hold this position for about five minutes and return to the original position.

5. Garudasana (Eagle pose)

Garudasana or the eagle pose not only helps digestion and energizes the body, it also strengthens your legs.

How to do it: Begin by standing straight with your feet together and knees slightly bent. Bring your right leg up and around your left leg. Hook your right ankle behind the left calf. Lower your hips to come to the squat position. Now, stretch your arms in front of you with your right arm under your left arm. Bend your elbows and bring palms near your chest. Press your palms together. Hold this position for about a minute and then return to the original position. Do the same with the other leg.